Queensland Police Service (QPS) members have joined thousands of Queenslanders in Brisbane for the annual Darkness to Daylight event, a 110km relay run raising awareness and funds to prevent domestic and family violence (DFV).
Hosted by Challenge DV, the overnight event symbolically represents the 110 lives lost to DFV across Australia each year. This year’s rescheduled run saw more than 150 QPS members take part alongside community participants, with runners also completing shorter 10km and 3km segments to show collective support for victim-survivors.
Last year, 20 Queenslanders lost their lives to DFV, underscoring the continued urgency behind prevention efforts.
QPS Office of the Commissioner General Manager Cathy Ford said the event demonstrated a united community stance against violence.
“Today we saw the strength of the Queensland community come together to say that domestic and family violence is never okay, and that there is never an acceptable excuse,” Ms Ford said.
Superintendent Michael Ede, who completed the full 110km overnight relay, said the challenge reflected the seriousness of the issue.
“Running overnight is difficult, but it reinforces the need for all of us to work towards a safer future,” he said.
QPS reiterated that DFV remains a major policing priority, with officers responding to around 500 related callouts each day. Ms Ford urged the community to seek help early and report abuse.
“DFV is not a private issue. It is a societal problem, and prevention requires everyone to act,” she said.
More information can be found at www.qld.gov.au/dfvpmonth.
Learn more about Darkness to Daylight at www.darknesstodaylight.org.
Image source: mypolice.qld.gov.au